NASA Mini AERCam Nanosatellites

Roland Piquepaille writes, "In NASA's language, a nanosatellite-class
system is a small spacecraft, but it is not a nanotechnology-based
device. In fact, the new 'Mini
AERCam' robotic cameras are small, free flying vehicles capable of
performing inspection and viewing missions in space. But these
spherical-shaped cameras have a diameter of 7.5 inches and weigh about
10 pounds. The cameras are designed to help astronauts and ground crews
see outside the spacecraft during a mission. During human space flights,
like the ones of the International Space Station (ISS), their use will
suppress the need for astronauts to walk in space. And these cameras,
tested on the ground today, should be soon deployed in space to watch
human-based missions in space." For more details see Roland's blog.